MCTS: November 2007 Archives
Takeaway: Although several Windows Vista exams are still in beta, others are ready and waiting at your local Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers. Here's what you need to know regarding new Windows Vista certification options.
For the last several years, Windows XP marked the most contemporary Microsoft client OS certifications an IT professional could possess. But all that's changing with the introduction of Windows Vista.
While Vista's been available to volume license customers since November 2006, its wider release in late January seemingly made the new OS' launch official. With Vista now appearing on store shelves, in advertisements and within corporate environments, it's also registering on technology professionals' certification radar screens.
Although several Windows Vista exams are still in beta, others are ready and waiting at your local Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers. Here's what you need to know regarding new Windows Vista certification options.
Exam 70-620: Windows Vista Configuration
Officially launched January 4, 2007, Exam 70-620: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration certification.
The certification is aimed at technical staff having at least a year of experience providing phone support in organizations ranging from retail stores to enterprise-scale environments.
Microsoft recommends candidates have experience
To successfully pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate proficiency
Technology professionals must also demonstrate expertise configuring
Further, candidates must also prove their ability to maintain and optimize Vista performance.
Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support
Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support is in beta until April 12, 2007. Successfully navigating the exam enables Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians to upgrade their certification to Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician. The test is aimed at
The upgrade exam tests candidates' ability to:
Candidates must also prove knowledge configuring and troubleshooting Windows' native tools, managing and maintaining Vista workstations and supporting mobile systems (including Tablet PC and mobile device components).
Among the changes already made to the exam in beta are an increased emphasis on supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Windows Vista systems.
Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support - Enterprise
In beta until March 30, 2007, those passing Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support--Enterprise, earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician certification.
The exam targets IT professionals who
Earning this accreditation requires candidates to prove their knowledge
As with Exam 70-621, Exam 70-622 also experienced changes in beta. Specifically, additional focus was being placed on the same issue: supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Vista workstations.
Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support--Consumer
Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support -- Consumer is scheduled for beta testing through April 5, 2007. Candidates passing the test earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Consumer Support Technician accreditation.
The exam targets IT professionals who are typically employed as consumer (residential) support technicians. Exam 70-623 tests small-office and home network administration skills, with emphasis on desktop apps, mobile device management, malware removal and hardware support, among other issues. Microsoft recommends candidates have experience deploying, managing and repairing desktop operating systems before attempting the exam.
The test measures consumer support technicians' ability to
Exam 70-624: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client And 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
Exam 70-624 beta tested early this year and earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Deploying And Maintaining Vista Client And Office System 2007 Desktops certification.
Microsoft recommends Exam 70-264 candidates have at least one year of hands-on experience managing day-to-day desktop issues. They should also have familiarity with
The exam tests one's ability to
Summary
These Windows Vista-centric exams form a firm foundation for upgrading certifications and keeping one's resume current. As Windows Vista gains share, and as the Longhorn server platform reaches market, additional exams testing Vista knowledge are sure to appear. Thus, while others may be moving slowly to adopt the new OS, those IT professionals looking to stay ahead of the pack should ensure they familiarize themselves with these exams.
For the last several years, Windows XP marked the most contemporary Microsoft client OS certifications an IT professional could possess. But all that's changing with the introduction of Windows Vista.
While Vista's been available to volume license customers since November 2006, its wider release in late January seemingly made the new OS' launch official. With Vista now appearing on store shelves, in advertisements and within corporate environments, it's also registering on technology professionals' certification radar screens.
Although several Windows Vista exams are still in beta, others are ready and waiting at your local Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers. Here's what you need to know regarding new Windows Vista certification options.
Exam 70-620: Windows Vista Configuration
Officially launched January 4, 2007, Exam 70-620: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration certification.
The certification is aimed at technical staff having at least a year of experience providing phone support in organizations ranging from retail stores to enterprise-scale environments.
Microsoft recommends candidates have experience
- Repairing network issues
- Troubleshooting Windows desktops
- Configuring security and applications
- Repairing logon problems
- Resetting passwords
- Eliminating desktop program conflicts
To successfully pass the exam, candidates must demonstrate proficiency
- Installing and upgrading the new OS
- Configuring and troubleshooting Vista's post-installation system settings
- Configuring security features (including user account controls, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall).
Technology professionals must also demonstrate expertise configuring
- Network connectivity
- Applications included with Vista (including Windows Mail, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Calendar, Windows Fax and Scan and Windows Sidebar)
- Mobile computing features.
Further, candidates must also prove their ability to maintain and optimize Vista performance.
Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support
Exam 70-621: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification To MCITP Enterprise Support is in beta until April 12, 2007. Successfully navigating the exam enables Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians to upgrade their certification to Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician. The test is aimed at
- IT professionals working in medium- and large-scale companies.
- IT professionals with three to five years of experience working as lead desktop support technicians (tier 2 support techs) deploying Windows, administering security and configuring Vista.
The upgrade exam tests candidates' ability to:
- Install Windows Vista
- Configure and troubleshoot post-installation settings
- Manage security (including the new BitLocker feature)
- Configure networking
- Troubleshoot connectivity problems.
Candidates must also prove knowledge configuring and troubleshooting Windows' native tools, managing and maintaining Vista workstations and supporting mobile systems (including Tablet PC and mobile device components).
Among the changes already made to the exam in beta are an increased emphasis on supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Windows Vista systems.
Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support - Enterprise
In beta until March 30, 2007, those passing Exam 70-622: Microsoft Desktop Support--Enterprise, earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician certification.
The exam targets IT professionals who
- Work in larger organizations
- Have three to five years of experience as lead desktop support technicians
- Have familiarity with older Windows desktop operating systems as well as Windows Vista.
Earning this accreditation requires candidates to prove their knowledge
- Deploying Windows Vista (including deploying from custom images and analyzing business requirements)
- Managing security (including patch management)
- Administering and maintaining Vista boxes and configuring and troubleshooting network connectivity.
As with Exam 70-621, Exam 70-622 also experienced changes in beta. Specifically, additional focus was being placed on the same issue: supporting and troubleshooting applications installed on Vista workstations.
Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support--Consumer
Exam 70-623: Microsoft Desktop Support -- Consumer is scheduled for beta testing through April 5, 2007. Candidates passing the test earn Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Consumer Support Technician accreditation.
The exam targets IT professionals who are typically employed as consumer (residential) support technicians. Exam 70-623 tests small-office and home network administration skills, with emphasis on desktop apps, mobile device management, malware removal and hardware support, among other issues. Microsoft recommends candidates have experience deploying, managing and repairing desktop operating systems before attempting the exam.
The test measures consumer support technicians' ability to
- Install and upgrade Windows Vista
- Customize and configure post-installation settings
- Configure security
- Administer and troubleshoot network connectivity (including Vista's media center)
- Troubleshoot and repair corrupted installations.
Exam 70-624: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client And 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
Exam 70-624 beta tested early this year and earns Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Deploying And Maintaining Vista Client And Office System 2007 Desktops certification.
Microsoft recommends Exam 70-264 candidates have at least one year of hands-on experience managing day-to-day desktop issues. They should also have familiarity with
- Deploying Windows clients, applications, and upgrades
- Using mass deployment tools
- Working in the Windows pre-installation environment.
The exam tests one's ability to
- Install Microsoft Office 2007
- Configure Vista's automated installation features
- Mass deploy Vista
- Leverage the Business Desktop Deployment Workbench
- Administer the Application Compatibility Toolkit
- Migrate user-state data (including using the Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Operating System Deployment Pack).
Summary
These Windows Vista-centric exams form a firm foundation for upgrading certifications and keeping one's resume current. As Windows Vista gains share, and as the Longhorn server platform reaches market, additional exams testing Vista knowledge are sure to appear. Thus, while others may be moving slowly to adopt the new OS, those IT professionals looking to stay ahead of the pack should ensure they familiarize themselves with these exams.
Windows Server 2008 will be released early next year. That's right...I said it, another major server OS will be released with undoubtedly more to learn! However, with this release, Microsoft is also rolling out major changes to its certification program. All of us old MCSEs are in for some big changes.
For example, the MCSE we're all familiar with is going away. Yep, you heard it, completely going away! Instead, new certification titles, like MCTS, or Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Active Directory Configuration or Application Platform Configuration, will be the certification de jour.
Here's an overview of the new Windows Server 2008 certification program. Specifically, it will address:
[Note: The MCP and MCSA have been excluded from this article with the focus being only on the MCSE.]
First look: What's changed?
After years of complaints about the MCSE being far too ordinary and too generic, Microsoft is taking a new approach to its certifications. Instead of offering a more generically themed program (like the traditional MCSE), Microsoft is creating certifications that are more tightly focused on specific roles and skill sets. These changes are part of a larger effort to revamp the entire certification program (which includes more than Windows Server 2008). However, for traditional MCSEs, Windows Server 2008 is where we'll see the most changes.
These new tracks are referred to as the Technology Series and the Professional Series.
Technology Series-Microsoft wants to provide a means for cert holders to demonstrate proficiency in a specific technology area, like configuring the Active Directory or Vista. These certifications are known as Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) and are very technologically focused.
Professional Series-Here, there are two focus areas: IT Professional and Professional Developer. I've excluded the Developer series from this article, as most traditional MCSEs will likely not be on the Developer track. Professional certifications allow a person to demonstrate they can perform a job like Server Administrator. A person who earns a Professional certification will be known as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional, or MCITP.
They also require earning the equivalent technology certification (MCTS) in the corresponding Microsoft product. Each focus area has generally one to three exams. For most MCSEs, there are two Professional Certifications that will likely be right in your wheelhouse. I list them below, and include the necessary exams. The "TS" next to each exam number denotes an MCTS exam, while the "Pro" denotes an MCITP exam.
Server Administrator
Enterprise Administrator
The theory with these new programs is that they allow for more specificity by creating very tightly focused certifications and emphasizing actual real world job roles, thus making it easier for prospective employers to judge abilities and talents. I'm already having nightmares about the alphabet soup that the already lengthy signature blocks will become. We may be seeing something like this:
John Smith, Network Engineer, MCSE (NT 4.0), MCSE+I (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCSA (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration, MCITP: Enterprise Administrator...and so on...
Good Grief!
And finally, in a move that not only keeps technologists current, but, coincidentally, also generates consistent revenue for Microsoft, the new MCTS certifications expire. In fact, they expire when the specific technology expires. The MCITP also requires re-certification-every three years! However, in most cases, MCITP re-up will be a single exam, and it will probably be the latest MCTS exam.
Transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE to 2008
If you're a Windows Server 2003 MCSE (W2k3MCSE), the path to achieve certification depends on what your goals are. Because the MCSE doesn't exist in Windows Server 2008 you have to "transfer" your certification skills, as a Microsoft calls it, to the new MCTS track (and then if you'd like, tack on the applicable MCITP certification).
Microsoft has created a new exam entitled "70-649: TS: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCTS on Windows Server 2008." When you pass it, you will earn three MCTS qualifications in one swoop:
A Windows 2003 MCSE who isn't interested in such a large exam could take individual MCTS exams in each of the aforementioned technology areas. However, if you're looking for a less circuitous route and you don't mind taking the daunting single exam, the 70-649 is probably the better approach.
It's important to note that Microsoft is transitioning folks to the TS level, but there's no transition plan to move people directly to the Professional level. You can still get there, but you have to transition to the TS level first, and then take the remaining exams at whatever professional level you are seeking, just like any other MCITP seeker.
For example, if you're a Windows 2003 MCSE and you want to be a MCITP Enterprise Administrator you'd have to:
If you only wanted to obtain the MCITP Server Administrator, you'd have to:
Going from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008?
If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE or, for that matter, any non-Windows 2000/2003 MCSE (NT 4.0), you're out of luck. There's no transition path from Windows 2000 (or anything earlier) to Windows Server 2008. Instead, depending on how far along you are with your Windows Server 2003 MCSE, you have two choices:
It actually may be easier to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 MCSE in order to make for an easier transition to Windows Server 2008.
[REMINDER: The two exams a Windows 2000 MCSE needs to take to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (without taking the long route), 70-292 and 70-296 are currently scheduled for discontinuation on March 31, 2008.]
Start planning now!
The time to get your plans in order is now, what with the W2k3MCSE upgrade exams set to expire in March 2008. If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE, consider the upgrade path to W2k3MCSE first-it may make your Windows Server 2008 transition much easier.
If you're already a Windows 2003 MCSE, start looking at the new Windows Server 2008 technology. There are already some beta examinations available. Microsoft has also indicated that final versions of the exams will be released shortly after the technology's Release-To-Market date:
For example, the MCSE we're all familiar with is going away. Yep, you heard it, completely going away! Instead, new certification titles, like MCTS, or Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Active Directory Configuration or Application Platform Configuration, will be the certification de jour.
Here's an overview of the new Windows Server 2008 certification program. Specifically, it will address:
- New changes in the Windows Server 2008 certification program
- What you need to do to transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE skills to 2008
- What you need to do to go from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008
- Learn practical tips on what you can do now to start planning
[Note: The MCP and MCSA have been excluded from this article with the focus being only on the MCSE.]
First look: What's changed?
After years of complaints about the MCSE being far too ordinary and too generic, Microsoft is taking a new approach to its certifications. Instead of offering a more generically themed program (like the traditional MCSE), Microsoft is creating certifications that are more tightly focused on specific roles and skill sets. These changes are part of a larger effort to revamp the entire certification program (which includes more than Windows Server 2008). However, for traditional MCSEs, Windows Server 2008 is where we'll see the most changes.
These new tracks are referred to as the Technology Series and the Professional Series.
Technology Series-Microsoft wants to provide a means for cert holders to demonstrate proficiency in a specific technology area, like configuring the Active Directory or Vista. These certifications are known as Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) and are very technologically focused.
Professional Series-Here, there are two focus areas: IT Professional and Professional Developer. I've excluded the Developer series from this article, as most traditional MCSEs will likely not be on the Developer track. Professional certifications allow a person to demonstrate they can perform a job like Server Administrator. A person who earns a Professional certification will be known as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional, or MCITP.
They also require earning the equivalent technology certification (MCTS) in the corresponding Microsoft product. Each focus area has generally one to three exams. For most MCSEs, there are two Professional Certifications that will likely be right in your wheelhouse. I list them below, and include the necessary exams. The "TS" next to each exam number denotes an MCTS exam, while the "Pro" denotes an MCITP exam.
Server Administrator
- 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
- 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- 70-646: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Administrator
Enterprise Administrator
- 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client or 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
- 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Platform, Configuring
- 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
- 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
- 70-647: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator
The theory with these new programs is that they allow for more specificity by creating very tightly focused certifications and emphasizing actual real world job roles, thus making it easier for prospective employers to judge abilities and talents. I'm already having nightmares about the alphabet soup that the already lengthy signature blocks will become. We may be seeing something like this:
John Smith, Network Engineer, MCSE (NT 4.0), MCSE+I (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCSA (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration, MCITP: Enterprise Administrator...and so on...
Good Grief!
And finally, in a move that not only keeps technologists current, but, coincidentally, also generates consistent revenue for Microsoft, the new MCTS certifications expire. In fact, they expire when the specific technology expires. The MCITP also requires re-certification-every three years! However, in most cases, MCITP re-up will be a single exam, and it will probably be the latest MCTS exam.
Transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE to 2008
If you're a Windows Server 2003 MCSE (W2k3MCSE), the path to achieve certification depends on what your goals are. Because the MCSE doesn't exist in Windows Server 2008 you have to "transfer" your certification skills, as a Microsoft calls it, to the new MCTS track (and then if you'd like, tack on the applicable MCITP certification).
Microsoft has created a new exam entitled "70-649: TS: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCTS on Windows Server 2008." When you pass it, you will earn three MCTS qualifications in one swoop:
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration
- MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration
A Windows 2003 MCSE who isn't interested in such a large exam could take individual MCTS exams in each of the aforementioned technology areas. However, if you're looking for a less circuitous route and you don't mind taking the daunting single exam, the 70-649 is probably the better approach.
It's important to note that Microsoft is transitioning folks to the TS level, but there's no transition plan to move people directly to the Professional level. You can still get there, but you have to transition to the TS level first, and then take the remaining exams at whatever professional level you are seeking, just like any other MCITP seeker.
For example, if you're a Windows 2003 MCSE and you want to be a MCITP Enterprise Administrator you'd have to:
- Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS
- Select a desktop MCTS (70-620 or 70-624)
- Take the 70-647 Enterprise Administrator Professional Exam
If you only wanted to obtain the MCITP Server Administrator, you'd have to:
- Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS certifications
- Take the 70-646 Server Administrator Professional Exam
Going from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008?
If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE or, for that matter, any non-Windows 2000/2003 MCSE (NT 4.0), you're out of luck. There's no transition path from Windows 2000 (or anything earlier) to Windows Server 2008. Instead, depending on how far along you are with your Windows Server 2003 MCSE, you have two choices:
- Complete your upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (thus making your transition to Windows Server 2008 a bit shorter), or
- Start fresh with Windows Server 2008
It actually may be easier to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 MCSE in order to make for an easier transition to Windows Server 2008.
[REMINDER: The two exams a Windows 2000 MCSE needs to take to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (without taking the long route), 70-292 and 70-296 are currently scheduled for discontinuation on March 31, 2008.]
Start planning now!
The time to get your plans in order is now, what with the W2k3MCSE upgrade exams set to expire in March 2008. If you're a Windows 2000 MCSE, consider the upgrade path to W2k3MCSE first-it may make your Windows Server 2008 transition much easier.
If you're already a Windows 2003 MCSE, start looking at the new Windows Server 2008 technology. There are already some beta examinations available. Microsoft has also indicated that final versions of the exams will be released shortly after the technology's Release-To-Market date:
- TS Exam Goals Release Date: 30 days post RTM
- Pro Exam Goals Release Date: 60 days post RTM
